In a tragic incident that unfolded in Kebbi State, a boat carrying 50 passengers capsized, leaving 40 individuals unaccounted for. This heart-wrenching event occurred on Monday around noon as the boat was en route to the Yauri weekly market. The journey commenced in Kasabo, Agura Local Government in Niger State and was headed for Yauri in Kebbi, two states that share a vast boundary comprising approximately eight local governments.
Bala Mohammed, the chairman of Yauri, revealed that the boat succumbed to the relentless water waves in the Niger River. As of now, only ten passengers have been successfully rescued, but the search and rescue operations are ongoing in the river.
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Contrary to initial reports, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) stated that the boat was carrying 22 passengers, and none of them have been recovered thus far. Salihu Garba, the agency’s Director General, informed journalists in Minna, the capital of Niger State, that local divers were meticulously conducting search and rescue missions under the agency’s vigilant supervision.
Tragically, this incident is part of a worrying trend of boat mishaps occurring in riverine states during the rainy season. Just a few weeks ago, a similar accident in Niger State claimed the lives of 26 people, while another boat accident in Adamawa State resulted in 15 fatalities. States such as Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Adamawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Kano have been grappling with a high incidence of boat mishaps, which can be attributed to various factors including the lack of life jackets, overloading of boats, and violations of safety regulations.
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As the search and rescue efforts continue in Kebbi State, our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragic incident. It serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and stricter adherence to regulations governing water transportation in riverine areas.
Source: Premium Times – Read more
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